Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"This is part of the Third Thread… and yet, I knew nothing about it."

Ruby took more pride in her runesmithing than her combat skills, which is why she felt a little disappointed in herself right now.

After talking with Adrian, she realized that their understanding of the Third Thread was completely different. The method she had learned barely scratched the surface—meanwhile, Adrian had torn into the concept and grasped its very core.

He was the complete version.

'I was right… you really are unique, Adrian,' she smiled quietly to herself, taking another sip of her coffee.

"So, how's it going with Annabelle?" Adrian asked as he sat beside her, holding his own cup.

Ruby's expression stiffened slightly before she replied, "She's been getting a lot of missions lately."

Adrian tilted his head, curious. "But if I remember right, she doesn't work for any organization?"

Ruby nodded. "Yes… she only steps in when she believes the threat could endanger hundreds of lives."

Adrian had heard that Annabelle had been pushing herself lately—but as far as the plot went, there shouldn't have been any major movements or sudden appearances of high-ranking acolytes.

So he asked, "If it's not confidential… do you know what she's fighting?"

The newspapers didn't report much about the wastelands—those areas were restricted, and reporters weren't allowed there. Most of what made it to the public came through the Tower or the Warden.

But Ruby was far more connected to the situation.

If he had asked Idiot, she probably would've told him—but the system automatically censored anything that could reveal personal information or experiences to him.

So, for now, Ruby was his only source.

Ruby leaned back in her seat. "I don't have a clear idea. Trust me, Anna's hiding things from me too."

That caught Adrian off guard, but he stayed quiet and listened as she went on.

"Whatever she's fighting… It's not human. I've never seen her come back with so many injuries before."

Glancing at him over her shoulder, Ruby added, "You tuned a weapon for her, didn't you?"

Adrian nodded.

"Without that, I think she might've lost a limb or two in her last fight."

Adrian's eyes widened slightly. "It was that bad?"

Ruby nodded again. She ran a hand through her hair, clearly frustrated. "And the worst part? She won't let me help. I tried following her once, but that day… she reminded me just how big the gap is between a First and a Fourth-Rank Warden."

Adrian understood her frustration. Ruby wasn't just curious—she was worried. But Annabelle clearly didn't want help. Maybe it wasn't about doubting Ruby's strength… maybe it was something else.

"Should I talk to her? Without mentioning your name?" he offered.

Ruby gave a half-shrug. "She's also your friend. Do whatever you think is best."

Adrian nodded, then asked, "Are you staying here tonight?"

There was still a lot she needed to learn before Adrian could truly keep his promise.

Ruby teasingly grinned, "Will you let me stay at your place?"

Adrian wryly smiled, "There are guest rooms…"

"Nope, if I am staying, it has to be your room." She insisted.

Adrian dryly chuckled as he got up, "You might find a wild cat there,"

"Hmm~well, I know how to tame the wild ones~" She looked at him with an upturned glance…making him slightly uneasy.

Was she serious?

But then, she chuckled and said, "I am just joking. I am going back today and will try to master the technique you taught me today. If you have time next month, give me a few days."

"Next month would be impossible since I am already taking a week off."

Ruby hummed in questioning, "Vacation?"

Adrian shook his head, "Engagement."

Ruby was baffled, "With Ariana?"

"Of course," Adrian affirmed, "You are the first person to know about it."

"Damn...that's great news and slightly heartbreaking too."

Adrian didn't know how he should respond to that, so he said, "Do you want to join the celebration?"

Ruby shook, "Nah...I am not good with people." She soon waved at him and stepped out of the office.

Walking through the corridor she softly smiled, "They are moving forward so quickly that I never got a chance..."

Ruby has realised recently that she had a crush on Adrian...and here, he was already getting engaged.

'You are unfair, Adrian.'

Meanwhile, Adrian rested on his chair and opened the chat.

Thankfully, Idiot was there and so were a few more.

"Idiot...are you okay?" He asked, and suddenly the chat stopped.

Dark Knight: [Is there something to be concerned about?]

Raven: [I mean, darling is being worried about that idiot, so surely she must have taken an impossibly dangerous task.]

Idiot: [Shut it. I haven't taken any dangerous missions. Thank you for asking though, dear.]

Valor: [But you are barely appearing in the chat...so surely, something has happened.]

A long silence befell as those texts were sent.

Adrian grew worried. Something strong enough to challenge the strongest Warden means he has to be on high alert too.

But what it could be? Unless the ancient Acolytes are brought back to life through the forbidden magic...nothing should have troubled the girl.

There was a long pause, before Annabelle finally responded,

[The XXX XXXX XX XXXX are intruding. Just need to keep an eye on them.]

Valor: [Already?! But I never saw any XXX XX XXXXX.]

Adrian grumbled in annoyance. He couldn't understand their texts because the system was blocking them. But surely, something unexpected had happened. Something dangerous.

In the end, all Adrian said was, "Take care of yourself. It's not a battle you have to fight alone. If you can, take others help, okay?"

Idiot: [Understood. Thank you for worrying about me.]

Adrian softly smiled and closed the chat.

He better start learning-

**BOOOOOOMM**

A heavy explosion reverberated through the campus, startling Adrian.

He hurriedly rushed towards the window...and soon his eyes widened.

Hundreds of summoned creatures were advancing toward the academy!

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.